Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow symptoms typically develop gradually and may worsen over time without proper treatment. Many patients experience:

• Pain and burning on the outer part of your elbow
• Weak grip strength when grasping objects
• Pain that worsens with forearm activity like turning a doorknob or holding a racquet
• Stiffness in the elbow, especially in the morning
• Pain that radiates from the elbow down into the forearm and wrist
• Difficulty with simple tasks like lifting a cup or using tools

The pain may start mild but can become severe enough to interfere with sleep and daily activities if left untreated.

Tennis elbow develops when the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle becomes weakened from overuse. This muscle helps stabilize the wrist when the elbow is straight, and repetitive use can cause microscopic tears in the tendon.

Common activities that increase risk include:

• Racquet sports (tennis, squash, racquetball)
• Repetitive computer work and typing
• Painting and using brushes or rollers
• Carpentry and using screwdrivers
• Cooking activities involving chopping and gripping utensils
• Playing musical instruments

Risk factors include: Age 30-50, poor technique in sports or work activities, inadequate strength or flexibility in arm muscles, and returning to activities too quickly after injury.

Our orthopedic specialists at Synergy Health Partners use a comprehensive approach to diagnose tennis elbow. During your appointment, your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination, testing your arm strength and checking for pain when pressure is applied to the affected area.

Diagnostic methods include:

• Physical examination including specific tests that reproduce your pain
• Medical history review to identify repetitive activities
• X-rays to rule out arthritis or other bone problems
• MRI or ultrasound in some cases to evaluate tendon damage
• EMG testing if nerve involvement is suspected

Our goal is to accurately identify the extent of your condition so we can develop the most effective treatment plan for your specific needs.

While mild elbow discomfort may resolve with rest, you should schedule an appointment with our specialists if you experience:

• Persistent pain lasting more than a few days despite rest
• Severe pain that interferes with daily activities or sleep
• Inability to grip objects or perform normal arm movements
• Numbness or tingling in your fingers or hand
• Symptoms that worsen despite home treatment efforts
• Elbow stiffness or inability to fully extend your arm

Early treatment typically leads to better outcomes and can prevent the condition from becoming chronic. Our team can help you return to your normal activities more quickly with appropriate care.